Michael H. Haefner, age 78, of Macomb, passed away at 8:46 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb. He was born January 30, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri to Henry and Margaret Graf Haefner. Mike was united in marriage to Donna Daugherty on October 26, 1970, in St. Louis.
Surviving to mourn Mike’s passing is his wife, Donna Haefner; one brother, John (Delena) Haefner, of St. Louis; as well as three nieces and one nephew. He is also survived by his beloved cats, Rex and Rudy. He was proceeded in death by his parents, sisters Mary and Joann, and brother Kevin.
Mike proudly served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Vietnam as a member of 70th Engineers Combat.
He was an aerospace engineer with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis and retired from Triumph Aerostructures in Texas. He was a member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
Mike was a licensed small aircraft pilot and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Galesburg, Illinois. He enjoyed connecting with others as a ham radio operator and was a member of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the Hurst (Texas) Amateur Radio Club, and the Lamoine Emergency Amateur Radio Club, Colchester. He also was a member of the Lone Star (Texas) Hi-Railers Model Railroad Association. He proudly volunteered with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Texas, where he enjoyed serving and helping others in his community.
Before he and Donna moved to Macomb they lived 43 years in Texas. Most of all, Mike loved every moment he spent with Donna.
He was an active member of White’s Chapel Methodist Church, Southlake, Texas, where he was deeply involved with the church’s train ministry.
Most recently he was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb, where he served on various committees.
Cremation has taken place. Jones Mortuary, Colchester, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign the register book at the funeral home from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2026, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1212 West Calhoun Street, Macomb, with the Rev. Don Long Jr. officiating. Military rites will follow, conducted by the Macomb American Legion and Macomb VFW. Afterward, family and friends are invited for refreshments and fellowship in the church Atrium.
Memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, the McDonough County Humane Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences and memories may be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com.
